After the 2016 increase, the T should implement small annual increases rather than large bi-annual (or longer) increases. Much less of a shock. That's how private companies & even the post office do price increases.

Well, that's what the legislation was intended to address by capping it to 5% every two years. Now we're just finding creative ways around that, rather than addressing the elephants (plural) in the room.

If fare increases are limited to 2.5%/year, then logically union wage + benefit package costs should have the same cap, and average wages + benefits for non-union employees also the same cap. Like that's gonna happen.

BandA wrote:Inner Express Bus riders take it on the chin. Waltham, Newtonville, West Newton, etc still have CR fares that are disproportionate.

Speaking as an inner exp pass holder.. It's still cheaper than parking downtown. But it's hard to see how these route could be not profitable for the T, given how they are packed day in and day out. Maybe it's because the senior drivers take this assignment. As long as Baker does not succeed in his quest to privatize these routes I'll be happy.

Sorry to dwell on rubber tired transit.

I would love to see fares pegged to inflation, but I imagine that would be politically impossible.